6 prospects 49ers have to consider atop 2018 NFL Draft

The 49ers enter the bye week coming off an encouraging win over the New York Giants, a team that reached the playoffs last year but has fallen on its face in a competitive NFC East.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is just over halfway through his first season, and while the wins haven’t stacked up like he’d hoped, the team certainly plays hard each week. Nonetheless, the 49ers are staring at a top-five pick in the 2018 NFL draft and will have an opportunity to take an impact player.

The rebuilding process is a long game, evident in the six-year contracts that Shanahan and general manager John Lynch received when joining the organization. The most recent rookie class has seen significant playing time, more than any other team’s, highlighting the strength of Lynch and Shanahan’s vision while also shining a spotlight on a weak roster that still needs upgrades throughout. The team could have upwards of $100 million in cap space and could be a factor in free agency.

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Offseason strategies are built in combination of finding college prospects and NFL veterans. The trade for the presumed franchise quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, suggests the 49ers aren’t interested in the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft. With a premium draft pick and plenty of needs, the front office will have a plethora of options to rebuild an inexperienced roster.

Let’s take a look at six prospects they should consider.

Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1, 203) | DB | Alabama

Fitzpatrick is the most versatile defensive back in this year’s class. He can play both safety and boundary cornerback. He’s played three years for Nick Saban, widely regarded as one of the best defensive back coaches at any level.

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Fitzpatrick has the size and instincts to succeed in the NFL as a moveable player in a defensive backfield. The 49ers have a strong safety group that has been riddled by injuries this season. Rookie Adrian Colbert started against the Giants and highlighted the depth the safety position has moving forward. Drafting Fitzpatrick would give defensive coordinator Robert Saleh a true shutdown defensive back with the size and athleticism to excel in the 49ers aggressive scheme.

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